ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Call it curse from the rain god, the month long incessant rain
has created havoc in Lower Dibang Valley district as villages such as Anpum and
Paglam are reportedly submerged in flood water and flood water also devastated all
livestock. This was informed to this daily by Circle Officer E.Yirang this evening.
Yirang informed that the flood is so devastating that entire villages cut off from
rest of the state and there is no route to access these affected villages except
air sorties. The flood situation at Dambuk is also worst as the people were being
evacuated to temporary relief camps set up by the local administration with help
of local MLA Jomin Tayeng.

Sources in Dambuk said that people are starving out since the livestocks were entirely
devastated and there is no relief from the government side. Meanwhile local MLA
Tayeng has taken up the matter with the chief minister by updating the flood situation.
Earlier he provided 300 quintals of rice and 1 quintal salt to the victims and two
country made boats. The boats are being used for evacuating the affected people.

Meanwhile, a member of emergency relief committee of Bolung village alleged that
the district administration has taken away the half of the rice bags which was provided
by the relief department for Bolung village. Committee also expressed anguish over
the district administration.

An official report from Tezu adds: Altogether 39 marooned people including 12 children
who were stranded between the branches of Lohit river since last four days were rescued
by Indian Air Force led by wing Commander Watts inspite of inclement weather around
4. 30 pm.

Thatso Kri, GB Danglat who is rescued with others expressed his heartfelt thanks
to state Chief Minister, MLA Tezu and District Disaster Management Authority Lohit
headed by Deputy Commissioner for saving their life. All the rescued persons were
shifted to relief camp and to their respective relatives.

75 persons were rescued at Sunpura with the help of country boat from Lapsing village
and sheltered at relief camp. Additional stock of foodgrains is dispatched to Sunpura
seeing the grim situation of flood in the district. Numbers of inmates are increasing
in all the relief camps in the district.

Flood water of Denning and Tezukhola inundated Tezu Township, Govt quarters, Krick
and Boury School and private building today.

Flood survey team consisting Minister WRD & SW, Newlai Tingkhatra, Minister Finance,
Planning and PWD, Chowna Mein, CE, WRD, DDMO, HQ visited flood affected areas of
Namsai and Tezu. MLA Tezu and DC Lohit explained the flood situation of the district
and sought all possible help from the state government to save life and property
of the people. The visiting survey team assured all possible help and assured to
take up with the Government. Various bridges in the district connecting surface communication
are in constant threat due to heavy erosion. Total relief camps operating in the
various circles of the district are 19 with 3000 (approx) inmates.

Surface communication, water supply, electricity remains disrupted for the fourth
successive day at district Hq. People are facing acute shortage of stock of POL,
LPG and other essential commodities in the district Hq. 9th ITBP, 25th ITBP, 186th
CRPF, 12th Assam Regiment and SP Tezu rendering all possible help in rescue operation.
BRO authorities carrying out restoration of road communication in war footing. Overall
flood situation at Namsai sub-division are still grim. New relief camp at Urban complex
Namsai where 175 inmates of Lathao and Jona I are accommodated. Weather rainy and
rainfall data recorded 380.00 mm in last 24 hours.

ITANAGAR Sept 22: In a major embarrassment to Congress party, both in Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh, one Rajesh Joshi, a Congress office bearer from Assam has reportedly gone
missing along with 1 crore rupees allegedly ‘donated’ by Arunachal Pradesh Congress
Committee towards party fund. As per the reports coming from various Guwahati based
electronic news channel, Joshi was allegedly paid the said amount by the office bearer
of APCC who had gone to Guwahati to pay him the money.

The report further adds that during the exchange of money at a private hotel in Guwahati,
Joshi reportedly told Arunachalee APCC members that hotel is not safe and therefore
he took money to his home for safety. However after leaving from hotel he did not
return and allegedly run away from Guwahati along with 1 crore money and his family
member. Joshi is the secretary cum spokesperson of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee
and allegedly shares bonhomie with many members of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee.

When contacted by this daily APCC President Mukut Mithi stated that he has no idea
about any such transaction and said even he had heard about the information from
television channel. On being asked whether the missing amount of money was meant
for All India Congress Committee (AICC) he dismissed such notion and expressed ignorance
about the entire episode.

Capital SP Hibu Tamang informed that an FIR has been lodged at Itanagar Police Station
this evening by one Tarh Kuyu, chairman, All Arunachal Pradesh Contractors Welfare
Association against Joshi. However, interestingly, an FIR copy received by this
daily mentioned the date of FIR as 21/09/2012

Many believe that AICC in the form of party fund collects huge amount of money from
various Congress ruled states. In the North East all the transaction are done through
Hawala network based in Guwahati.

“The Guwahati based Hawala network charges 2% from the total transaction. It is divided
1% each between Guwahati and Delhi based hawala operators. They evade police and
income tax authorities through these transactions,” told a Guwahati based journalist
well acquainted with the illegal transaction. While everybody is tightlipped about
the case, the incident sure is a slap on the face of poor Arunachalee. At a time
when various departments are battling to manage resource due to shortage of fund
the ruling Congress is allegedly donating huge amount of 1 crore for party fund.
It seems for Congress party is dearer than Arunachalee citizens.

FIR lodged against Joshi

Meanwhile, a case has been reportedly registered at Itanagar PS (Case No 210/12 US
420) against Joshi by All Arunachal Pradesh Contractors Welfare Association chairman
Tarh Kuyu.

In a FIR made available to the press, Kuyu said that after winning two tender works
worth Rs. 29 crores and 7.50 crores respectively at Guwahati in August 2012, he
had reached in Delhi to undertake advance booking of the construction materials.
From Delhi he had asked his brother at Itanagar to send a cash of Rs. 1 crore through
a friend Doli Ette. Accordingly, Ette handed over the said amount to Rajesh Joshi
for onward transmission to his Company’s Account in Delhi on 7th September, 2012
evening around 6.00 pm at Hotel Nakshatra, Beltola, Guwahati. “As per my telephonic
discussion, Joshi was to transfer the amount in next of Saturday but to my utter
surprise he kept me waiting in vain till Monday and finally I decided to come back
to Guwahati on Tuesday on 14th December, 2012. After failing to locate him physically
or over phone approached Parliamentary Secretary, Home, Govt of Assam Bhupen Kumar
Borah for necessary help and suggestion. After seeing of Rajesh Kumar Joshi being
with Parliamentary Secretary, Home, Assam, I was confident that my money would be
returned by Joshi in presence of Parliamentary Secretary, Home, Assam and another
witness Arun Tiwari, Secretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has assured to
return the amount on 18th September in between 12.00 am to 1.00 p.m without fail,”
Kuyu said in his FIR.

But, Kuyu in its FIR said, in his utter surprise he along with Arun Tiwari found
his (Joshi’s) and his spouse mobile numbers switched off and house was locked. Finding
no alternative he took a photograph of the locked house and decided to lodge an FIR
in his home State Capital fearing threat to his own life in Guwahati. Kuyu has requested
the Itanagar PS to investigate into the matter.

APP was leading the match 2-0 in the breather with goals from Gangte Robi (11 min)
and Tage Tat (39 min).

The second half saw three goals within a span of five minutes. While Papum Pare’s
Pisa Martin found the net in 55th minute (1-2) Pani Raju of APP inflicted double
blow by scoring in 56th and 60th minutes (1-4). Loi Kena scored in 72nd minutes to
make the final score 2-4.

In his speech, Siram advised the players to take up sports as a serious career option
since sports has been accorded one of the priority sectors by the state government.
Informing about approval of the state’s sports policy, announcement of lucrative
incentives for outstanding sportspersons and 10% reservation in police department
for sportsperson by the present ruling government, Siram suggested the players to
strive for excellence in their chosen sport to reap the benefits.

“During ancient times, sports were mainly played for recreational purposes. But today,
it is played in very competitive manner. I. therefore, advise you to play for win
instead of merely participating in it, “ the Education Minister said.

Recalling Tadar Tang, in whose memory the tournament is organized, and his love for
sports, Siram advised the participating teams to practice hard, maintain discipline,
sportsman spirit, the main keys to success of a player.

Later, Siram expressed his willingness to host the next tournament in Pasighat.

Political Secretary to Chief Minister, Bamang Tago reminiscenced the inaugural edition
of the tournament held in 2001 and his involvement in it. Tago suggested the players
to play the sports in professional manner with discipline. He also highlighted the
scopes and opportunities of a football players in the world of sport today.

Earlier, Arunachal Pradesh Football Association general secretary G Doke welcomed
all the dignitaries invited on the occasion, football enthusiasts and participating
teams.

Cultural troupes enthralled the gathering with their dance performance before the
start of the inaugural match.

ITANAGAR Sept 22: If we go through the history of Arunachal Pradesh, one could find
that during NEFA days the state had enjoyed its most peaceful time. Gradually as
state has been witnessing rapid development, things started to change for worse.
One of the most striking factors is coming up of many community or specifically tribe
based organizations in the state.

Today every tribe has their own apex body and their student wings to fight for the
interest of their tribe. No doubt, these community-based organizations were formed
with positive thoughts in mind. Nevertheless, it has been noticed that many of them,
instead of becoming uniting factor among various tribes of state, has brought disunity.
Politicians belonging to various tribes use these community-based organizations to
lobby for party tickets and ministerial births. There is no difference between functioning
of community-based organizations of Arunachal with that of fundamentalist groups
of other parts of the world. In the disguise of working for the upliftment of various
tribes, they are only spreading hatred among the fellow tribal brethrens.

Many of us tend to forget that in the long run, Arunachal will face serious challenge
from illegal immigrants who are swamping various parts of state. These community-based
organizations have to concentrate on finding ways to fight the challenge posed by
illegal immigrants. In places like Itanagar, Pasighat, Tezu migrant population are
more in number than locals. The recent unfortunate incident at Yazali town in which
a local girl was allegedly raped and murdered by an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant
should make alarm bell ringing. The accused had audacity to rape and murder a tribal
girl in her own hometown.

The people of Arunachal should learn something from neighbouring state Assam. The
various ethnic groups of Assam like Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Koch Rajbongshi and Assamese
people have been at loggerhead over various issues in the last many decades. Taking
advantage of disunity among various groups of Assam, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh
have slipped into Assam and today they are posing demographic threat to the indigenous
people of Assam.

Similar situation may arise in Arunachal in the near future if people neglect the
serious threat posed by large-scale illegal migrations. The community or tribe based
organizations of state can do wonder if they are honest with their intention. They
should not let politicians and bureaucrats use themselves for their personal benefits.
Enough damage has been done to the social fabric of state by these community-based
groups. It is time for some damage control action.

High level team conducts aerial survey

ITANAGAR, Sept 23: In order to get first hand information on flash flood which is
creating havoc in the eastern part of the state since last many days, the state high
level team comprising of WRD and Social Welfare Minister Newlai Tingkhatra, Planning,
Finance and PWD Minister Chowna Mein, WRD chief engineer Er Likar Angu and DDMO (HQ)
Eling Tallang conducted aerial survey at the affected areas such as Bordumsa, Namsai,
Chowkam and Tezu.

The high level team while taking stock on the situations distributed Rs 10 lakh to
DC Lohit and Changlang districts and Rs five lakh each to the Bordumsa, Namsai, Jairampur
and Miao ADCs as immediate relief fund.

On reported by Bordumsa ADC K Riba that the Nao Dehing River which has been damaging
more than three hundred households of two villages such as Bijoypur-I and Bijoypur-III,
the WRD minister announced Rs 10 lakh for immediate flood protection work from Emergent
Flood Control (EFC) and handed over Rs two lakh from CM Relief Fund.

“Due to changing course of the Nao Dehing River, it has damaged more than 35 hectares
land in two days including roads and many more damages may occurred in coming days”
Riba asserted.

The ADC who is working round the clock along with Bordumsa Division WRD EE Er B Karki
informed that due to flash flood many schools have been closed down in the circle
since last week and the administration is trying to manage alternative for the school
going students.

They requested the team to release Rs 4.5 crores in order to stop the changing river
course.

Tingkhatra assured them to take up the matter to higher level and asked them to make
proper documentation on it and submit the damaged report through district administration
immediately.

Namsai MLA Nang Sati Mein informed that due to raising of water volume in Alubari
and Nao-Dehing Rivers many peoples and standing crops are affected.

During the vist to Tezu, the WRD minister handed over two lakh each for Tezu and
Chowkam circles from CM Relief Fund and 10 lakh each from ERF. The team also visited
the flooding Tezu Town and assured to take up the matters with the Chief Minister.

The high level team has scheduled to visit Pasighat, Dambuk and Roing on next Monday.

Rain water wreaks havoc in Sagalee

ITANAGAR, Sept 23: Sagalee ADC Chukhu Talar along with PWD engineer, Sagalee division
and other officers have visited the flood-ravaged area of Sagalee township on Sept
21.

The ADC in a release today informed that rain water along with sand and mud flushing
down from Karoi Road inundating most of the low laying ground damaging the approach
road of the boys hostel of Higher Secondary School, Sagalee.

Landslide triggered by rain water also damaged the approach road to circuit House,
Sagalee. Two panels of 4 Mtr height retaining wall washed out and two other panels
of retaining wall tilted due to high hydrostatic pressure, the release said.

Most of the houses in Sangrik Colony, Sagalee are in danger of being washed away
due to heavy run off water from all sides, the release said adding that due to heavy
and continuous rain many culverts are chocked. Run off water carrying massive mud
and sand filled up all the market area and road. The PWD Staff quarter at ALC Colony,
Sagalee is totally inundated and water flowing above plinth level of the building.

Heavy landslide occurred in many places in SSY road to UD Guest House restricting
vehicular and pedestrian movement of the local people. Moreover, huge landslide
occurred in many places in all along the stretches of the Sagalee – Sakiang Road.
In many places formation level has been washed away. Reports of damages from other
circles are still awaited as most of the area are not accessible due to road blockade
in many location, the release said. The flood damages are being assessed by concerned
department, it added.

Eze river flowing above danger level, erosion continues

Raju Mimi

ROING, Sep 22: Residents of Roing town are having sleepless nights for past three
days because the nearby Eze River continues to rise after a week of heavy rain threatening
to flood the main town.

The high rise natural river embankment near the confluence of Eze and Eme River which
is situated just above the Ezengo village is getting eroded from the force of river
water. These high rise land formation near the confluence prevents the Eze from flowing
downwards in the main town.

In the confluence point, a road leading to the popular tourist spot Mishmi Hills
camp and to the water intake source for drinking and power generation was washed
away on Tuesday night.

If the rain persists, the residents fear that flood water might also wash away the
Water treatment plant built by Public Health Engineering Department, which is situated
just 30 meters from the eroded river bank. The water treatment plant of capacity
5 MLD was built at estimated cost of Rs 4 crore in 2001.

A large potion of boundary wall of Jawaharlal Nehru Park situated near the confluence
point has also been washed away by the flood water. The other important landmarks
in the vicinity likely to be affected from river flooding are residence of Mukut
Mithi, Rajya Sabha MP, Zoo, Yatri Niwas and government residence of forest and wildlife
department.

The fear of flooding has already sent residents living near the river shore to evacuate
to safe places in the town. The river erosion is now at a critical stage, with flood
water flowing dangerously above the normal level and drawing closer to the main inhabited
areas of the town.

Some 10 kms away from the main town, the Abali village and its adjacent areas are
beginning to look like island as Aba and Kundil river begin to surround the area
with its flooding water. There are also reports of Koronu village, 22 km from Roing
town inundated with nearby Aba river water. Iduli and Kabang village were cut off
from the district headquarter since last four days.

Similar situation was faced in August 2004, when Eze River was almost on the verge
of overflowing its bank threatening to submerge the town. However, there has been
no significant government intervention to check such recurring flooding and river
erosion in the state. The only respite was the Asian Development Bank’s funding for
technical assistance to Arunachal Pradesh government in 2008 to help prepare the
integrated flood and river erosion management project.

Except CPI, all other national political parties refuse to divulge their donors

New Delhi, Sept 22: On being asked questions through RTI on their largest donors
and the manner of these donations by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), all
national political parties except CPI declined to give the information. While CPI
provided the information about their largest donors, their addresses, the mode of
payment of these donations, etc., other parties either didn’t reply or simply said
that they did not come under RTI.

In a letter signed by their then general secretary A B Bardhan, CPI said that it
is a Public Authority as the organization is substantially financed directly or indirectly
by government funds. It also said that they have an internal appellate authority
in case we were not satisfied by the information received.

INC (Indian National Congress) however returned the RTI letter. In a letter signed
by Motilal Vohra, it said that since AICC does not come under RTI, it was returning
the letter along with the postal order fee.

BJP did not even respond to the RTI application. Neither did BSP. NCP replied but
said that it didn’t have enough man-power to provide the information asked for.

CPI(M) also returned the RTI application along with the postal order. Through a letter
singed by Hari Singh Kang, Member Central Secretariat, CPI(M), it said that CPI(M)
is not a public authority as per the provisions of RTI Act and hence under no obligation
to provide the information.

ADR said in a statement that the leaders of all political parties publically maintain
that they are committed to transparency and probity in the functioning of political
parties. However when it comes to the implementation, their behavior is completely
opposite. These replies bring to the fore the biggest farce that our democracy is
plagued with – the opaque functioning of political parties with no space for engagement
with the citizens and no willingness to open themselves to public scrutiny.

It is common knowledge that the political parties get lot of benefits and facilities
from various govt departments. As a recent report of ADR and National Election Watch
showed, they have huge income and all of their income is tax exempt.

Political parties get substantially financed by a very large amount by getting tax
exemption on all their income. In addition all the major political parties have been
also provided facilities for residential and official use by Directorate of Estates
(DoE). They have been given offices and accommodations at prime locations like Akbar
road, Raisina road, Chanakyapuri etc and are charged only a token of money as rent
or dues. These facilities are not just provided to them at marginal rates but their
maintenance, upgradation, modernization, renovation and construction is also done
at state expense. A large amount of money is also spent by Election Commission of
India on political parties for giving electoral rolls.

Doordarshan and AIR also provide free broadcast facilities to the political parties.
If closely seen, the money spent on that basis actually runs in crores. State funding
is also given for publicity of political parties during elections.

It is indeed very surprising that the political parties who at one end claim to
work under transparent and people centric manner have flatly refused to work in such
a fashion.

ADR, had filed a complaint on 23rd March, 2011 with the CIC to get information from
political parties. The hearing now is scheduled for 26th September. The letter from
CIC also has mentioned that the matter is serious and of wider implications. The
case is thus going to be placed before full bench.

Governor advocates for welfare measures for ex-servicemen

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh General (Retd) J. J. Singh attended
a meeting of State Managing Committee to review the initiatives taken up for the
welfare of ex-servicemen in the State at Raj Bhavan, here on 22nd September.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the ex-servicemen (ESM) are disciplined
and professional people and State Government needs to utilize this pool of talented
human resource. He advised the members to start small, grow more.

Appreciating the idea of setting up of an ex-servicemen Corporation, a self sustaining
organization to fulfill the need and aspiration of the ex-servicemen and their dependents
and also unemployed youths in certain situation former Chief of Indian Army said
that it will help in channelizing employment opportunities to retired personnel and
give them a rightful place in the society. With right persons and with proper advice
such organization will definitely help the ex-servicemen to avail Government of India
welfare schemes and programmes, which are kept for them.

Referring to tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor said that the ex-servicemen
have huge scope for jobs as guides, instructors and in security establishments. He
added that these abled retired personnel also have huge opportunities for employment
in hydropower and road projects, which are coming up in the State. He expressed his
hope that disciplined organization of the ESM will help in tapping employment opportunities
for their former associates in a better way.

Earlier, Brigadier (Retd) Ramesh Bhatia gave a Power Point presentation on the proposal
for formation a State Government Ex-Servicemen Corporation in lines of Uttarakhand
Purv Sainik Kalyan Nigam Ltd (UPNL).

Giving a brief background, Brigadier Bhatia said that a very large number of ex-servicemen
(ESM) who are highly disciplined and well-trained proceed on retirement, every year
in order to maintain a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. Earlier these persons
were exploited to work at low wages by unscrupulous placement agencies. To check
this trend the Government of India established an Inter Service organization as the
Director General of Resettlement (DGR), functioning directly under the Department
of ESM Welfare Ministry of Defence. The DGR had requested all State Governments to
form their respective State Government Corporations. But till year 2003, seven states
only, namely Punjab, HP, UP, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal formed
their corporations.

Brigadier Bhatia, who has been with UPNL since it inception further said that in
year 2000, when Uttarakhand became a separate State, it decided to establish its
own ESM Corporation but it took the State Government nearly 04 years to commence
its operations. UPNL was established on 1st March 2004 under the Central Govt. Companies
Act ‘1956 and empanelled with the DGR, MOD, New Delhi as a Security Agency.

Sharing his experience, Brigadier Bhatia informed that UPNL commercially operates
as a placement company on behalf of the State Government and bids for security and
allied services in CPSU’s, State PSU’s and in private sector as well. The jobs are
provided on contractual basis only to the ESM & other youth of Uttarakhand State.
Since the jobs in Uttarakhand are limited, UPNL seeks contractual jobs outside the
State as well. Volunteer potential job seekers who wished to proceed outside the
State on hire wages are encouraged.

Brigadier Bhatia emphasized that focus is on providing employment and welfare measures
rather than profit making. (PRO to Governor)

Keh-meh-ha: the agricultural festival of Idu Mishmi

Jonomo Rondo

Meaning of Festival: The most important seasonal agricultural festival of the Idu
Mishmi’s is known as “Keh-meh-ha”, (Keh-means - Rice, Meh-New, Ha-Eating). It is
a festival related to the first seasonal harvesting of crops like paddy and various
other edible items starting from the middle part of August- September (Puilapu) every
year.

The festival promotes unity and brotherhood among the Kera-ahs. It is being celebrated
with religious fervor and traditional gaiety without any differences among the rich
and poor. Each and everyone participate in the festival in their respective village.

This festival orients from the beginning of jhum cultivation of the local farmers
in the villages are known as APPU and AMRO, APPU- means the first seasonal crop of
rice, which is being harvested by the farmers, and AMRO is a rice harvesting during
the winter part of November-December (Mawlapu) in the same year. There are nine varieties
of paddy’s being cultivated in upland areas such as Keh-Apu, Keh-Amro (early maturing
variety), Keh-ochi, Keh-tara, Keh-ajare, Keh-bora, (late maturing variety), except
Keh-bora all other varieties have red kernel are cultivated in the high altitude
valleys of Dri, Mathu, Ahee, Amra,Taloh, Ethu,Ehee, Siku river basins.

Philosophy and Myths of the Festival: The Keh-meh-ha is celebrated in every year
to worshiping the deity goddess of “APEH-MILLI” and “APEH-GONLO” for the prosperity
and rich crops during the harvesting season. According to mythology ‘INYI-MENGA-AH’,
the Ancestor of Kera-ah, has started the cultivation of crops and later Tudu had
grown the first food grains in the field. Thereafter, INI-APEH-MILLI- a female spirit
had gave birth to shaman ADIZIRU, the Igu (Priest) for Reh has sent the bird to (APESHA)
for bringing the seeds to grow paddy where the varieties of crops grew in abundant.

APESHA is believed as an enchanting place with golden colour where paddy flourishes
beneath the gentle breeze of air. The APEH MILLI is (the goddess of the crops) and
the APEH-GONLO, (guards the crops from the disasters). Therefore, the three birds,
IPI, PEKA and PIMBI kept all the seeds - maize, millet, paddy hidden in their mouth.
Then the Tudu (first descendant) in search of seeds met the bird PEKA and requested
him for the seeds on condition that after cultivation the grains near the rim of
the forest should be left for him and Tudu would take one of them from the field.
It was only possible because the tiny birds like IPIH and PEKA bring their food grains.
Further the bird (IPIH) has brought paddy grains and the bird (PEKA) has brought
corn seeds etc; from the APESHA, which was cultivated by “INYI-MENGA- AH (Kera-ah-Aana),
along with food grains, providing EHUTO (hand wood grinding), ELOBE (mortar) was
prepared and EH-PEH (winnow made from bamboo) was crafted, so as to peel and husk
from the grains for the entire human consumption.

As myths tell us that the spider (Ephinga) brought the medicine KANDI- ROH and INYI-ROH;
mixed with powdered rice it became a PAH ( fermented yeast for mixing in the rice
beer). And the PAH went through a series of churning in order to extricate the poisonous
components. At first the ‘AMRON’ (Makek Monkey) was fed and later it became an experience
of screams. Later, the Frog was also fed, it lost its teeth. Then it indicates that
all the poison had been extricated and finally it was made fit for human consumption
which became an origin of YUH (rice beer) and later (Yuh-Keh-meh-Koyachi Keba Achogaja)
it was served to the entire humanity. Thereafter it was offered to APEH MILLIH of
APESHA (the goddess of plenty of crops) and other omnipotent, omniscient spirits
were also offered along with benevolent and malevolent spirits of other dwelling
in the paddy (Keh-mrah) rice fields, house and granary (Akka) to appease the God
and Goddesses of evil spirit.

It is also believed that arrival of people as guests during the time of celebrations
also brings good luck for the farmers.

Keh-meh-ha is being celebrated since time immemorial. Nowadays, it is being celebrated
in broader perspectives among the Kera-ahs.

Conclusion: The festival help the community preserve folksong, folklore and oral
literature which is the main ingredient of cultural life. The Idu Mishmi (Kera-ah)
exhibits their rich cultural tradition during the festivals like Keh-meh-ha and Reh.
(The writer is a Sociologist)

The programme was jointly organized by Public Health Engineering and Water Supply
Division and Urban Development and Housing Division, Khonsa under supervision of
District administration as a part of IEC of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA).

Speaking on the occasion, the DC-cum-Chairman, District Water Sanitation Mission
(DWSM), Khonsa Dr Sachin Shinde advised the department of PHE & WS Division, Khonsa
to thoroughly check and test the water sample in the laboratory in order to ascertain
the quality of water. He also encouraged the gathering to keep streamlet hygiene
to avoid various water borne diseases.

He advised the people not to discharge the affluent into the stream and further direct
those to dismantle the Kutcha toilets by October 1 or face forceful dismantle with
fine.

Doi Tarak, Consultant, PHE & WS Division, Khonsa gave demonstration on different
types of low cost sanitary toilets. He elaborately explained on how to construct,
cost involvement, longevity and sustainability of the toilets.

Likha Tem, JE, PHE & WS Division, Khonsa explained a model on roof top rain water
harvesting for sustainable utilization of water resource.

Nonglin Ngowa, Laboratory Technician (LT), PHE & WS Division, Khonsa gave demonstrative
training on how to use and measure the chemical reagents while handling the Field
Test Kit(FTK) for water quality testing.

Y K Singh, AE, PHE & WS Division, Khonsa highlighted about different model on low
cost sanitary toilets and stressed upon construction of sanitary toilets with pit
or septic tank for safe and healthy life.

K Tikhak, EAC, Khonsa encouraged the participants to give important and attention
to such kind of programme for the welfare of community.

During the program, Skit Shows on sanitation were shown by students from Govt. Higher
Secondary school, Khonsa, Town Secondary school, Khonsa and Don Bosco School, Kheti.
DIPRO

NewsImpact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh
Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam
Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s
will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele.
numbers : 09436040006/09856060490.

PHED restores water pipeline in Bilat area

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Sept 22: The drinking water supply pipelines in Bilat circle headquarter
and Bilat Bamin village, which was damaged by flood wave on September 12 last, has
been restored, informed Assistant Engineer of PHED, Pasighat sub division Nyong Paloh.

He further informed that, Ductile Iron pipes connected to Pasighat township from
Sippi and Sille river sources, which was also damaged by rainwater at upper JNC portion,
has also been partly restored and the work is going on in war footing to restore
the water pipe line of Pasighat township area.

However, water pipes at Sille river crossing point at Niglok, DI pipe under Sille,
Rani and Oyan NLCPR projects could not be repaired due to inclement weather, he added.

Constable interview postponed

ITANAGAR Sept 22: The viva-voice interview of IRBn/APPBn constables for Lohit and
Anjaw district has been postponed for indefinite period due to inclement weather.
As per the release from SP Lohit and SP Anjaw the decision had to be taken due to
road blockades at various parts of two districts because of which candidates will
not be able to reach at interview venue.

Nabam Jose honoured

ITANAGAR Sept 22: One of the renowned figures of state and president of Arunachal
Bullet Club Nabam Jose has been awarded prestigious excellence award for national
activity 2012 by New Delhi based Global Achievers Foundation society. Jose will be
awarded a trophy and citation on 31st of October during the award function to be
held at New Delhi. The board members who selected the awardees included Joginder
Sing, former CBI Director, former ambassador and Indian Foreign Service officer Dr
V B Soni along with other luminaries including educationists. The 46-year old Nabam
Jose is a native of Nimte village under Sagalee circle of Papum Pare district. He
made name for himself in Arunachal in the field of social work and film making. He
was earlier awarded ‘excellence award for health prophecy’ by Shanti Biotic Pvt Ltd,
a Hyderabad based organization for successful conduct of Hepatitis-B immunization
camps in Arunachal Pradesh.”

Nabam Jose has also been closely associated with Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee.
He was chairman of legal cell of APCC from 1985 to 1990 and was chairman, minority
cell of APCC. During student days he was associated with All Nyishi Students Union,
All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union and North East Students Organization. He was
also member of important bodies like State Wild Life Board, State Pollution Control
Board, State Medicinal Plant Board etc. Jose has been credited for promoting various
tourist destination of state during his tenure as ABC President. The Arunachal Bullet
Conducted bike ride from Itanagar to Mechuka passing through places like Yazali,
Ziro, Daporijo, Aalo. The ABC had also gone for ride till Bumla Pass, Tawang.

While talking to this correspondent Jose expressed happiness over selection. “It
feels great to be recognized for the effort put in by me along with my friends. This
award will sure motivate me to work more for Arunachal in the coming days,” said
Jose.

Highway division cries for resource

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: When the state is fighting against nature’s fury across the state,
the PWD Highway division is at failing state due to lack of resources. This was revealed
by Naharlagun Highway Division executive engineer Khoda Gyati here today.

Khoda in a release today said that various stretches at Nechipu-Hoj road have been
blocked due to incessant rain. The department is tiring up in clearing the 311 kilometers
road stretch without resource.

In a shocking revelation, he further said that though the debris and blockades were
being cleared instantly landslide triggered by rain again disrupt the road link making
the department difficult to manage resource for clearing the debris and landslide.
It is said that department has even no fuel to run the machineries so that it can
be pressed into restoration works. Sources also said that both state and central
government are not releasing the fund which makes department difficult to go for
restoration work.

Tree plantation programme

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Lekhi Village Women Welfare Society has organized mass tree plantation
and social service and awareness programme at government middle school, Baptist Church
and Mother Home under Lekhi village today.

Meanwhile, the society urged all the rent owners of the Lekhi village to verify all
documents and thorough examination of persons before allowing the house on rent to
unknown persons in order to maintain sound environment in the village.

The society also appealed to all the villagers and owners of animals to keep their
animal particularly pigs in a proper area instead of allowing them to roam around
in the village.

The programme was launched by PHE and WS Division Ziro at Pistana on August 14 and
conducted at Shally, Pitapool, Joram and Loth.

During the programme, general awareness on Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan was highlighted
and thorough knowledge on handling of field test kits were given to the trainees
and one test kit each were handed over to trainee.

The second and third phase of the programme would be held at Raga and Ziro-I CD Blocks
respectively.

Ziro –II area bandh passes of peacefully

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: The 24 hours Ziro – II area bandh called by the Ziro-II Anti-Corruption
Youth Forum on Sept 20 passes off peacefully. The Forum called the bandh in protest
against alleged failure of the authority to arrest all the culprits involved in
murder case of a girl student Ralo Rina

All type of vehicles remained off the road and shop keepers in market area of Ziro-
II closed their business establishment during the bandh, said the Forum. Forum further
threatened to launch 48 hours Ziro-II area bandh if the authorities fail to arrest
the criminals at the earliest.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: The NSS unit volunteers of Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic
have conducted campus cleanliness drive in its college campus today.

NSS Programme officer Jitu Saikia, College Principal A K Tripathy and Student Protocol
Migom Libang also participated the programme. They encouraged the students to take
up such social activities along with their regular academic activities.

Gungli team wins the 4th Kipa Tai Volleyball Trophy

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Gungli team grabbed the 4th Kipa Tai Volleyball tournament Trophy
along with cash award of Rs. one lakh by beating Pingchi team in final match played
at Zingang colony Papu Nallah, Naharlagun yesterday.

While, Phasang team led by Tame Phassang was adjudged as discipline team of the tournament.

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Al-Path Welfare Society today mourned at the death of Guan Borah
Tadam Hangkar, 69, who died on Tuesday. Late Hangkar was also Bango secretary. He
is survived by two wife, two sons and seven daughters.

Mwnam and Winsang win Miss and Mr fresher

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Miss Nabam Mwnam and Winsang Ronrang have won as Mr and Miss Fresher
2012 of North East Homoeopathic Medical College after college fresher’s meet 2012
was organized here at its auditorium in a colourful manner. Welcoming the new students
into the college, Principal Professor S.K Srivastava advised the students to study
hard and practice sincerely. The college freshers meet was dedicated to father of
homeopathic Dr. Hahnemann by lightening lamp. Various songs and dances were presented
by senior students to mark the event.

Puriok community alleges disparity in APPBn/IRBn recruitment

ITANAGAR, Sept 22: Barely a few weeks after an allegation of unfair means in on-going
police recruitment in Upper Subansiri district which rocked the state and police
department forcing the Chief Minister to step in with an order for enquiry, All
Puriok Welfare Society (APWS) today blamed the police department for not providing
a special quota for Puriok community.

APWS in a release today said that due to unavailability of quota for Puriok community,
which is considered as one of the most backward community of the state, the candidates
who qualified for written examination in physical test were not able to make it.
APWS further alleged that the police department has denied its candidates despite
being Chief Minister’s recommendation for reconsideration. It further claimed that
two candidates from the community namely, Gobind Puriok of East Kameng and Razel
Puriok of Papum Pare district had qualified for written exam , however both were
failed to make it in written test.

However, when contacted by this daily Director General Police Kanwaljit Deol categorically
clarified that there was neither special quota for a community nor for OBC. She further
said that for special quota it needs to be approve by cabinet.

Correction

The word ‘residence’ was wrongly mentioned as ‘resident’ in a front page photo caption
published in this daily on Sept 21 last. The error is regretted.

::::::::::::::::::::::

69 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal
Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.